Grandfather gets 3 years probation for hoarding 110 cats

SANTA ANA - The grandfather of two young girls, who lived in a home soiled by an illegal rescue operation with 110 cats, was sentenced to three years of probation for his guilty plea Monday to two misdemeanor counts of child abuse and endangerment.

John Ed Howe, 69, was charged with four relatives he was living with in the home when it was raided by authorities in February 2011.

Part of the deal will include monthly visits from probation officials who will make sure Howe's living conditions are safe, Bryant said. Howe, who lives on his own now, has the girls over for visits sometimes, Bryant said.

If Howe violates the terms of probation he faces up to two years in a county jail, Bryant said.

Sharon Howe and Courtney Howe-Perez are charged with one felony count of cruelty to animals and two misdemeanor counts of child abuse and endangerment. Jessy Moreno and Kerry Moreno-Howe face two misdemeanor counts of child abuse.

Prompted by the complaints of neighbors of a feted stench, Santa Ana police and Orange County animal services officers went to the family's home in the 2000 block of South Baker Street in February 2011, according to Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

The animal services officers went into the home wearing paper masks, but retreated when they were overpowered by the odor and returned with full hazmat gear, Bryant said.

The home was smeared with feces, urine, cat hair, roaches and flies, Bryant said.

About 20 cats had to be euthanized, and the others were treated for severe flea infestation, Bryant said. Half of the felines suffered upper respiratory infections, a quarter of them had ear mites and another quarter had fecal and urinary contamination of their fur, Bryant said.